Welcome to our frequently asked questions page. Here you will find the answers to some of your questions. As always, if you do not find your answer here, please call us to discuss your needs.
General FAQ
Q. How much does it cost?
A. XRay film to Xray Film Duplication: $7.50 per sheet. XRay Film Digitization 1-10 $6.00, 11-20 Films $5.00, 21 films and and above $4.00 per scan and $15.00 per CD/DVD created. CD to CD copy $15.00 per CD/DVD created. CD to XRay film $7.50 per sheet
Q. What happens once you have my order?
A. Once the order has arrived we open the package and do a film count to verify what we have received. We also view each film on a light table to check for any problems in the originals (too dark, too light, damage to the film, etc.) If problems are noted we will call to discuss these and any solution that would be helpful. Next, your film is duplicated or digitized, compared to the originals for quality assurance, and then repackaged for shipment to you. Turn around is usually 24 to 48 hours depending on the size of the order
Q. How will I know when you have received my order?
A. Most shippers will let you track your shipment online or by phone. With USPS you have the ability to get tracking on most types of packages, this allows you to track the package on the USPS website and confirm that it has been received here. Additionally we can contact you by email (our preference) or phone to confirm receipt of your order. Please let us know which you prefer.
Q. How do I pay for my X-RAY film duplicates or CD’s? What forms of payment do you accept?
A. All orders at xrayexpress.net need to be payed for before your order is returned to you. Payment for all orders is by credit or debit card only. You will receive an invoice with you total. Once the invoice is paid we will ship your order same day.
DICOM FAQ
Q. What is Dicom? How is it used in my X-Ray films or CD’s?
A. Dicom is an acronym for Digital Imaging Communication in Medicine. It is the standard in the Radiology community to allow different types of medical radiology equipment to “talk” to each other. When we digitize your film, the information is stored in the Dicom language and therefore can be accessed by programs written to read Dicom. Dicom gives the best quality, highest resolution images available.
Q. How do I know if my CD/DVD that I have been given is in Dicom?
A. Most Medical CD/DVD’s today (95%) are burned in Dicom. In most cases, your CD/DVD will come with a Dicom viewer that will auto load in most Windows computers (most do not work in Macs). You can check to see if your computer will open the CD by inserting the disk into the tray and waiting for the program to open. How long it takes depends on the speed on memory of your individual machine. Additionally, you can explore the files on the disk and look for files with a .dcm extension as well as a file called Dicom.dir. If these files are on your disk, the images are in Dicom.
Q. If my CD/DVD has the Dicom .dcm and Dicom .dir files can your equipment read/see the images?
A. In most cases yes. There are a few CD/DVD’s that use a proprietary format for their images, these cannot be read by our equipment. While this is becoming more rare, it does sometime happen. In these cases we will contact you and you can ask the provider for a CD/DVD in Dicom format. We have found that they will comply when asked.
Q. Can I make a copy of the original CD that was given to me and send you the copy for conversion to film or duplication?
A. Yes and No. A copy can be made and sent to us however, you must use a CD burning program such as Nero or EZ CD Creator. The native CD burning program that comes with Windows will not move the .dcm files due to Windows not understanding what Dicom is. If you do not have access to a CD burning program such as the one above it would be better if you just send the original CD to us. It will be returned to you in the package.
X-Ray Digitizing FAQ
Q. I would like to have my X-ray film digitized and put on a CD. How will my doctor/attorney be able to see them?
A. We can digitize your X-RAY film’s and burn them to a CD with a “viewer” allowing any Windows based computer to see the images. These images are Dicom 3 compliant and can be imported into any PACS system. Our viewing program is the same type that your Doctor, Hospital or Radiology Center uses. It has many tools included to use if the facility does not have a PACS system or Dicom Viewing software of it own. The viewer is included at no additional cost to you.
Q. How many images will fit on a CD?
A. This depends on the size of the original film. In 14×17 size we can get approximately 50 to 70 images on a CD. In smaller size film ( 8×10 10×12 etc..) quite a few more will fit on a standard CD.
Q. What types of film can be digitized? Can I get my CT’s or MRI film’s on a CD/DVD?
A. Yes. Any type of radiological film can be digitized, for example CT’s, MRI’s, Sonograms, Plain X-Rays, Pet scans, and Bone scans etc. Any type of X-Ray film including Industrial can be digitized and put on a CD/DVD in digital format.
Q. My company does NDT (Non Destruct Test) films. They are sometimes odd shapes and lengths. Can you still scan them and create duplicate films? Can they also be put on a CD?
A. X-RAY Film of any type can be scanned and duplicated. We have the ability to duplicate film up to 14×17 inches and nearly any size that is smaller. We have done many projects with NDT films and recognize that they come in many shapes and lengths; to date we have not found any that could not be scanned and duplicated. Yes, we can also put them on CD in Dicom with a viewer as well as in .tiff and .jpg.
Q. I have received a CD with my X-RAY images on it from my Doctor/Hospital, is it possible to make film duplicates from it?
A. Yes, this is becoming more prevalent in today’s medical field. Many facilities no longer provide “hard copy film” you are given a CD that contains your images. In most cases, your CD will contain the information necessary to allow us to make film copies from the CD. However some CD’s are burned in formats that will not allow us to make duplicates. In these cases you can try to contact the originating Doctor/Hospital and attempt to get a CD in Dicom that we can make X-ray film duplicates from.
Q. Can my film be put on a CD/DVD in a format that any computer can open? I would like to put these images into a Power Point presentation and email them as well.
A. Yes, the images can be put on a CD in .tiff or .jpg. These file extensions can be opened on any computer and easily inserted into a Power Point slideshow or emailed. Please keep inn mind that .jpeg or .tiff images are not diagnostic and only suitable for email or presentations.
Packaging/Shipping
Q. Can you use my FedEx, UPS or other shipper account to return my film/CD to me?
A. Yes, in fact this is the preferred method as it saves time and makes it more convenient for all. Please let us know if you wish to use your account and if possible send us a return pre-addressed label with your order. Additionally, we ask that you use or contact form to let us know that you have or are going to send us an order. Please include a tracking number in the email so that we can follow the progress of your shipment.
Q. How do I send X-RAY Films or images on CD to you? How long will it take to process my order and return to me?
A. You may send your original films or CD to us by whatever means you choose. We recommend USPS priority mail, however FedEx or UPS are also viable alternatives. If sent by FedEx or UPS we require sending it with signature; we will return it to you in the same manor so that the chain of custody can be maintained. Most X-RAY orders are completed within 24 to 48 hours from the time of receipt. Larger orders may require additional time; Give us a call to discuss your needs and to get shipping tips we have for getting your order to us safely.
Q. Can I use the USPS to send my order to you?
A. Yes. We use USPS to ship orders all across the country. It is considered a “Secure Carrier” by the courts and with tracking it can maintain the chain of custody necessary for legal requirements. Using Priority Mail with Delivery Conformation is the usual method however, using this and signature conformation is preferred to insure delivery and receipt.
Q. How do I package my film/CD’s to make sure they are not damaged?
A. When using FedEx or UPS you can use their “Large Express Boxes” for film. Leaving them flat makes them the perfect size for X-ray film shipping. If these are not available, any box that is of sufficient size, left flat will work fine. You should tape it well on the ends to insure that nothing will be lost. A visit to any FedEx or UPS shipping location will be helpful and many times, depending on the services needed the boxes are free. Film: When using USPS, one of their Priority Mail Boxes is a perfect fit for film and just needs to be taped well on the ends. CD’s should be sent in a padded mailer or box if possible. The USPS, FedEx and UPS sell a nice CD mailing box that protects the CD’s from Damage. They only cost a few dollars and are well worth the money.